A long-standing Basildon and Billericay MP has given his final speech as he signs off after 23 years as an MP.

Back in October 2023, John Baron announced he would be stepping down as an MP for good.

He had served as the MP for Billericay and District from 2001 and then Basildon and Billericay from 2010.

But, he admitted he had decided the time had come to step down and move on.

Mr Baron gave his final speech in the House of Commons this week, where he reflected on his time as an MP.

He said: “Throughout my time here I have been greatly helped, supported, and counselled by the superb Parliamentary clerks and their teams.

“We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from their contribution, without which our work as Parliamentarians simply would not be possible.

“I would also like to thank the doorkeepers, security, library and catering staff, and all who work so brilliantly day in, day out, to keep the show on the road and support our Parliamentary system.

“Reflecting for a moment, much has changed since I joined the House in 2001, and almost all for the better.

“The hours, for a start, are much easier for, and understanding of, those of us with young families. As a green MP in 2001 there was no training – we were just thrown into the Chamber. Things have changed for the better since.

“Overall, with hard work, planning and the gathering of support, MPs can still effect change and truly help their constituents.”

In this time, Baron was a strong critic of the European Union; he was a vocal supporter of Brexit during the 2016 EU referendum.

He frequently rebelled against his party, specifically in opposing military intervention in Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

He added: “I would also like to thank my Constituency Association, councillors, activists and the many friends I have made in the constituency for their contributions and friendship over so many years.

“It stood by me on a number of occasions when I did not always agree with my party, such as over the Iraq War in 2003, and always understood that MPs are representatives, not delegates.

“I would also like to thank my constituents for their support and ensuring that my majority increased at each General Election, despite an adverse boundary change.

“I intend to continue my link with the wonderful constituency of Basildon and Billericay, which it has been an honour to serve.

“I shall miss this place, but the time has come for me to move on, and I wish you all well.”